It was an extremely hot day at Caulfield for the running of the Group 3
Australia Day Vase for three-year-olds and the Group 3 Blue Diamond Previews for
two-year-olds. The colts and geldings division of the preview saw the exciting colt Bel
Esprit make it three wins from three starts firming as favourite for the Blue Diamond
Stakes. The filly Bardego was also impressive winning the fillies' preview from the
unlucky Brief Embrace. The Australia Day Vase saw the return of the classy colt Pure
Theatre who performed so well in the Spring. He was unable to get a clear run and
challenge the eventual winner Dash For Cash who was very impressive in holding out the
improving Barkada. We certainly have a fine crop of three-year-olds at the moment which
augurs well for an exciting Autumn both here in Melbourne and later in Sydney. The day was
also the victim of a delay of about an hour when groundstaff decided on industrial action.
The fifth race eventually got under way although it did conclude over an hour later than
originally scheduled.